Alleged Main Line kidnapper waives hearing

RADNOR — The 76-year-old former CFO of Spencer’s Gifts who allegedly devised a plot to kidnap a Main Line resident waived his preliminary hearing on Tuesday.

John Felder, who is out of jail on $175,000 bail, answered a few questions but said little else during the brief proceeding before Magisterial District Judge John C. Tuten Jr.

Authorities allege Felder, of Miami, devised a plan to kidnap a wealthy Villanova resident in the hopes of collecting ransom.

Felder allegedly drew up a list of potential targets and went as far as to rent a remote cabin in the Poconos to hold his victims for ransom, police said.

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On Nov. 7, Felder picked up some flowers at a Lancaster Avenue florist and, posing as a delivery man, went to the victim’s Villanova home and knocked on the door, police said. When the homeowner opened the door, Felder handed over the flowers then fired a stun gun, striking the victim in the chest, police said. The victim slammed the door shut, dislodging the weapon’s probes, and Felder fled, according to authorities.

Police were able to identify Felder as the suspect after he complained to flower shop employees that he had received a parking ticket while there. Authorities checked the tickets issued at the meter during that time frame and found the only one issued was to Felder’s rental car. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Two days later, Felder allegedly attempted to purchase a gun. When the warrant showed up on the background check police were called and Felder was taken into custody.

Defense attorney Joseph P. Green Jr. and Assistant District Attorney Lindsay A. McDonald worked out an agreement to dismiss the felony charge of aggravated assault in exchange for Felder waiving his preliminary hearing on all other charges, including felony attempted kidnapping. After the proceeding, Green said he and Felder “look forward” to addressing the matter in court.

Arthur Donato, who is representing the victim in the case, said he and his client were satisfied with the waiver. When asked about his client’s well-being, the attorney said he was “doing as well as can be expected.”

“He’s increased the security around his house and the houses of his family members,” Donato said.

While out on bail Felder is not permitted to leave the state. McDonald said she anticipates Green addressing that issue when the case goes before Common Pleas Judge George Pagano next month.